Main Purpose of the Job

Work closely with the Programme Leader to monitor progress on completing research objectives according to deadlines and within budget. This includes coordinating the efforts of Institute Strategic Programme (ISP) Group Leaders based both within the QIB and outside at other institutes and universities to deliver ISP objectives according to plan. The post holder will organise the ISP reporting cycle, regular research meetings and coordinate and collate reports to BSSRC and/or QIB Management as required. Their role will also include overseeing quality control throughout the ISP’s life cycle. The post holder will also coordinate meetings that generate links with associated groups across Norwich Research Park, the University of East Anglia and non-Governmental Organisations – thereby helping to promote the ISP’s science and outreach. A key part of this role is in the planning, preparation and submission of the ISP’s five-yearly funding proposal to BBSRC.

Key Relationships

The post holder will work closely with the Programme Leader and Executive Support Assistant. Daily contact with Group Leaders and support staff in the ISP and in external partner organisations. Regular contact with Chief Business Officer, Directorate Manger and other ISP Managers. Liaison where required with Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation teams.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Coordinate and deliver progress reports, proposals, requirements documentation, and presentations.

25

Manage and monitor programme expectations with team members and other stakeholders. Plan and schedule programme timelines and milestones using appropriate tools. Track project and programme milestones and deliverables.

20

Plan, schedule and run ISP committees, meetings and scientific events.

15

Build, develop, and grow any internal relationships (e.g. Finance, Human Resources and Communications teams) vital to the success of the ISP.

10

Determine the frequency and content of status reports from the programme team, analyse results, and troubleshoot problem areas.

10

Collaborate with members of the Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation teams in developing industry and public engagement activities, and exploiting other areas of impact.

10

Maintain and oversee ISP risk register and mitigate or address risks where needed.

5

Monitor budget expenditures on ISP projects in conjunction with the Chief Business Officer and Finance department, and recommend subsequent budget changes where necessary. Monitor spend of HEI partners within ISP budget to ensure appropriate use of ISP funds.

5

As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post.

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

Bachelors degree, or equivalent, in a science discipline

Essential

Qualification in project or programme management

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Programme planning tools and experience of managing projects or preferably, research

Essential

Proficient in using Microsoft Office; Word, Outlook and Excel

Essential

Ability to interpret, synthesise and summarise programme relevant information from scientists

Essential

Understanding of research funding and reporting procedures and practices

Desirable

Ability to read and understand financial reports

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience of writing/coordinating reports

Essential

A science background with experience of programme management

Essential

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Must be capable of working with staff at all levels and be an excellent communicator in person and in writing

Essential

Ability to engage with stake holders

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Essential

Ability to work autonomously in a supportive environment

Essential

Ability to prioritise and plan work with the ISPG lead

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard hours as required

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work

Essential

Quadram Institute Bioscience

The Quadram Institute is at the forefront of a new interface between food science, gut biology and health, developing solutions to worldwide challenges in food-related disease and human health.

We are engaged in fundamental and translational food and health research, alongside clinical studies, endoscopy and industry, working together to become a leading international hub for food and health research, combining scientific excellence and clinical expertise, delivering impacts on patient care and accelerating innovation.

The Quadram Institute is a diverse and multicultural scientific community. We thrive on our international and European links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.

For more information about working at Quadram Institute Bioscience, please click here.

Department

Food Innovation and Health

Advert Text

Quadram Institute Bioscience currently has an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join the team as a Programme Manager.

Background:

Understanding how individual foods and diets can help us maintain and improve our health is an important way to promote healthy ageing. The Food Innovation and Health Institute Strategic Programme at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB) seeks to understand how individual food components, complex foods and combinations of foods are digested within the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, and how nutrients and non-nutrient food components are released and absorbed into the body.

This research provides insights into the fundamental processes that link food and health. The Quadram Institute is dedicated to translating its findings into better dietary advice for the general population and specific interest groups, and to work with the commercial sector to develop innovative foods and products that enhance health and contribute to the prevention of chronic disease.

The role:

QIB wishes to appoint a part-time Manager for its Institute Strategic Research Programme Grant (ISPG) “Food Innovation and Health”. The post-holder will work closely with the ISPG Leader, Professor Martin Warren, to monitor the delivery of the ISPG’s research objectives according to deadlines and within budget.

There are two other ISPGs in QIB and each has its own Programme Manager. Managers are expected to coordinate work and share best-practice. The ISPG comprises about 10 Group Leaders and their groups based within the Institute itself. There are also close links to some group leaders based at universities elsewhere in the UK. Some travel to partner organisations may be required.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will have a biological sciences background with experience of project or programme-level management. Ideally, they will have an understanding of research funding and practice in the UK. A formal qualification in management or project management would be desirable. The post-holder will possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and be able to work autonomously within a supportive environment.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £32,255 to £39,345 pro rata per annum depending on qualifications and experience.  This is a part-time post (18.5 hours per week) for a period of two years in the first instance.

Interviews are expected to be held on 23rd and 25th March 2021.

Please note, candidates must already have the right to work in the UK as this role does not meet UKVI requirements to provide Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sectors of society.  The Institute supports equality of opportunity within the workplace and expects all employees to share and display these values.  To support our commitment, we have a range of family, faith and diversity friendly working arrangements to help all staff achieve excellence in their area of work.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.

About the Quadram Institute:

The Quadram Institute is a new interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to understanding how food and microbes interact to promote health and prevent disease. Its mission is to deliver healthier lives through innovation in gut health, microbiology and food. A partnership between Quadram Institute Bioscience, the University of East Anglia, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and BBSRC, it brings together scientists and clinicians in a state-of-the-art building on the Norwich Research Park. This is one of Europe’s largest centres of life sciences and home of the John Innes Centre and The Earlham Institute.